Modric: “It will be a tough game and it is crucial that we don't concede ahead of the second leg”

“We'll do our best to beat Borussia”, the Real Madrid central midfielder revealed.

Luka Modric was the star in the Real Madrid City press room today. After his manager spoke to the press, the Croatian spoke about the team's motivation ahead of the first leg Champions League quarter-final tie: “We'll do our best to beat Borussia. It will be a tough match and it is crucial for the return leg that we don't concede. After the four games we played against them last season we know how dangerous they are on the break”.

“Up until the two defeats, we had been enjoying a fantastic season. We are the same players and the same team. We are really motivated and have put last season behind us. We have to focus on tomorrow's match. We can't lose our heads just because we lost the last matches against them”.

The importance of playing the first leg at home
“It's all the same to me. I don't think it's an advantage to play the first leg at home. Last year we lost the first leg. We didn't expect there to be such a big difference and we were really close to going through in the second leg. We have to be focused during the game and do everything we can both in attack and in defence. I hope to be in the semifinals”.

Eager for revenge
“It is just another game against a very good side. We still remember the two games from last season, but tomorrow will be different. They have a lot of injuries and we could mistakenly think that it will be an easy encounter, but it will be a very tough game for us. We have more experience now and know what we could be up against. I hope that will help us during these two matches and allow us to qualify for the semifinals”.

The threat posed by Borussia
“We know how they play and that they are dangerous on the break. We have to careful when we lose the ball, tracking back quickly and putting pressure on them immediately to regain possession. They have a few pacey forwards. We have to stop their best players from playing and I'm sure we can do that tomorrow”.

2-0 WOULD BE AN EXCELLENT RESULT AHEAD OF THE SECOND LEG.

“Obviously Cristiano is disappointed with these two defeats, like everyone on the team. We weren't expecting that to happen, but that's football for you. If it wasn't like that, it wouldn't be interesting. We have to congratulate Barcelona and Sevilla. The fans have shown their respect for Cristiano, so nothing has changed. I'm sure that tomorrow they will once again show him their appreciation. Cristiano Ronaldo respects the fans, it's like a marriage. There are good days and bad days, but the important thing is that they love each other”.

Bale's contribution
“He's doing really well. He's helping the team out a lot. He has scored loads of goals and provided a lot of assists. Perhaps he isn't as good as he was at Tottenham, but he is important for us. I don't think he has been selfish. He is trying to play for the team and has probably provided the most assists out of anybody in La Liga. He wants to score and pass the ball, so I don't think that should be a problem”.

His role in the team
“We play with three in the centre of the pitch and Ancelotti wants us to play as a team, change the play when we get on the ball and create space. It is a similar job to the one I have with the national team. You have to defend and attack. That is the role of a central midfielder. If you want to play for Real Madrid, you have to defend and attack. It is impossible to just get away with one facet of play in modern football. I like my position in this team”.

Possible team fatigue
“We are not tired. It was a tough moment that came out of the blue for everyone. We lost two games, but we have to bounce back from that quickly. We have to be united, remain confident and continue playing as we have been throughout the season. These two defeats shouldn't erase all the good work that came before them. We are alive in all three competitions and are not going to give up on any of them”.